The Los Angeles Lakers opened a two-game set against the Memphis Grizzlies with a 128-121 comeback win at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Friday, January 2, 2026.
The contest, later recapped early Saturday, featured a late takeover from Luka Doncic and LeBron James as the Lakers erased midgame trouble and closed with authority.
Memphis, playing shorthanded and missing six players including Zach Edey, still produced six double-figure scorers and pushed the Lakers deep into the fourth quarter.
First Quarter Timeline: Lakers Set Early Tempo
Los Angeles started with energy and quick decision-making, leaning into early pace to build rhythm at home.
The play-by-play showed immediate activity from both teams, including a made three from Marcus Smart at 11:38 and an early Luka Doncic turnover seconds later, signaling a fast and physical night.
LeBron James established downhill pressure and helped steady the offense as the Lakers sought to strike first in the opener of the mini-series.
Memphis responded through Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant’s playmaking, keeping the game within reach even as the Lakers generated early momentum.
• Lakers played with early pace and rim pressure
• Memphis stayed composed despite missing key players
• Turnovers and quick threes defined the opening minutes
First-Quarter Timeline Highlights
| Game Clock (Q1) | Play | Score Snapshot |
|---|---|---|
| 11:38 | Smart 3PT (Doncic assist) | 0-3 |
| 10:28 | LeBron running layup | 2-5 |
| 08:30 | LaRavia 3PT (Doncic assist) | 4-12 |
| 00:32 | LeBron deep 3PT pullup | 31-36 |
| 00:03 | Smith Jr. 3PT (LeBron assist) | 31-39 |
• Early threes traded in rhythm
• Lakers created points off movement and kickouts
• Memphis leaned on timely perimeter shots to stay close
Second Quarter: Momentum Swing And A Memphis Burst
The Lakers built a cushion in the second quarter, stretching the margin as their stars controlled tempo and spacing.
That advantage disappeared quickly when the Grizzlies erupted with an 18-0 run, turning a 15-point Lakers lead into a three-point Memphis advantage, the visitors’ first lead of the game.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s back-to-back threes were central to the swing, with Jock Landale adding seven points during the surge as Memphis punished mistakes.
Los Angeles regrouped, but the period underscored how quickly the game could flip when the Lakers’ ball security and transition defense slipped.
• Lakers briefly built a comfortable lead
• Memphis seized momentum with an 18-0 run
• Caldwell-Pope and Landale sparked the turnaround
Second-Quarter Swing Summary
| Sequence | What Happened | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Lakers lead grows | Strong shot-making and pace | Built 15-point cushion |
| Memphis 18-0 run | Caldwell-Pope threes, Landale scoring | Grizzlies took first lead |
| Lakers stabilize | Stars re-enter and settle | Game tightened into second half |
• Runs shaped the game’s middle stretch
• Memphis punished turnovers and loose closeouts
• Lakers avoided a complete collapse before halftime
Third Quarter: Trading Blows Into A Tie
The third quarter became a tug-of-war as Memphis continued to find scoring balance across the roster.
Ja Morant followed his recent overtime loss to Philadelphia with steady creation, finishing with 16 points and 11 assists while repeatedly collapsing the defense.
Los Angeles leaned on Doncic’s scoring and free throw generation to keep pace, but Memphis’ resilience kept the scoreboard tight.
Caldwell-Pope’s back-to-back threes later forced a 96-96 tie going into the fourth quarter, setting up a finish that demanded star power.
• Memphis’ depth kept pressure on the Lakers
• Morant’s passing created efficient looks
• Caldwell-Pope’s threes set up a dead-even fourth
Score Progression By Quarter
| Quarter | Grizzlies | Lakers |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | — | — |
| Q2 | — | — |
| Q3 End | 96 | 96 |
| Final | 121 | 128 |
• Third quarter ended with the game level
• Neither side sustained separation for long
• The fourth became a closing-time test
Fourth Quarter: Doncic And LeBron Close It Out
Los Angeles won the game in the final period with a decisive 12-2 burst that finally created breathing room.
Doncic scored four points during the run and assisted on two three-pointers, while James capped the spurt with a basket as the Lakers’ stars controlled every critical possession.
Doncic finished with 34 points, eight assists, and six rebounds, scoring 17 of his points at the free throw line as he repeatedly forced contact.
James added 31 points with nine rebounds and six assists, delivering the late execution that separated the Lakers from a Memphis team that refused to fade.
Jaren Jackson Jr. led the Grizzlies with 25 points, while Caldwell-Pope added 20 and kept Memphis within striking distance into the final minutes.
• Lakers’ stars dictated the closing stretch
• 12-2 run created separation and control
• Memphis fought through absences and stayed competitive
Fourth-Quarter Timeline Highlights
| Game Clock (Q4) | Play | Score Snapshot |
|---|---|---|
| 06:42 | Doncic driving floater | 108-107 LAL |
| 05:29 | Doncic FT pair | 110-111 LAL |
| 04:33 | Doncic fadeaway | 110-113 LAL |
| 03:59 | Vanderbilt 3PT (Doncic assist) | 110-116 LAL |
| 01:13 | Smart 3PT (LeBron assist) | 116-124 LAL |
| 00:28 | LeBron driving layup | 119-128 LAL |
| 00:05 | Aldama dunk (Morant assist) | 121-128 LAL |
• Lakers delivered answers to every Memphis push
• Doncic created separation with scoring and assists
• LeBron sealed possessions with finishing and control
Key Contributors And Game Context
Jake LaRavia provided major support for Los Angeles with 21 points on 8-of-12 shooting and nine rebounds, giving the Lakers a needed third scorer and extra possessions.
Memphis’ ability to place six players in double figures reflected its balance, but the late-game shot creation favored Los Angeles’ elite duo.
The win opened the two-game set, with the teams scheduled to meet again Sunday in Los Angeles.
• LaRavia’s efficiency steadied the Lakers
• Memphis’ balance kept it close despite being short-handed
• Lakers positioned themselves to take control of the mini-series
Top Scorers Snapshot
| Team | Player | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Lakers | Luka Doncic | 34 |
| Lakers | LeBron James | 31 |
| Grizzlies | Jaren Jackson Jr. | 25 |
| Grizzlies | Kentavious Caldwell-Pope | 20 |
• Stars delivered late separation
• Memphis received strong secondary scoring
• Lakers’ closing execution proved decisive
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